Mental Health
I did touch upon this in the gym post but it’s important enough to say it again – your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Whether you have had CKD for over 20 years or for just 20 months, it will take its toll on your mental health. It is normal to have a million & one questions with a million & one worries.
- What is coming,
- what does the future hold,
- money,
- job,
- family, and
- many more other things.
I recommend writing down all your questions and worries for you next appointment and make sure you talk to the consultant or nurse about them. If you are feeling depressed about your condition; most Renal Units have a psychology department that specialise in transplants and dialysis. There is sometimes a wait but use them if you can.
Just talking it all through with someone can really help.
It is important that you understand that you are not alone – you are not the first person to go through this and all those feelings can be sorted.
There are a lot of kidney charities out there that have helplines that you can ring if you feel more comfortable speaking to someone over the phone.
Anti-depression drugs are available on prescription. And if you ever have any thoughts of ending your life then the samaritans are available on 116 123 from any UK landline or mobile and if free!
A positive mind can make such a difference to your symptoms. I found that demystifying dialysis was what helped me and talking, talking and more talking.
When all the APD stuff was delivered my dialysis nurse encouraged me to open a few bits and have a play with them – it did not seem as scary afterwards.
